Step 2: Shaving And Sawing

This is where the green stick comes in handy. Use your knife and press with your thumb as shown. If it's green the bark will all come off in a big strip, if it's dry like mine was, then you'll just have to take a little longer. Follow the grain of the wood and work around the knots up and down with your knife, be careful I'm not responsible for any injuries. Once you have it shaved, pull out your saw and cut off any protruding knots or twigs that you don't want. Don't worry if it looks rough, it will be handled in the next step. Oh, and if your stick is green, once you completely shave it let it sit for a week or two until it's dry and brown.

You might want to try Diamond Willow for the wood. In addition to the looks, willow is very strong and hard to break, its hard to even break a stick off the tree. I did a fast Google search and found <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=diamond+willow+walking+sticks&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=6NHJUvm-H-3iyAHziYHACg&ved=0CFYQsAQ&biw=1440&bih=662" rel="nofollow">these images.</a><br> <br> Here are some of <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-get-wood-and-make-lumber-for-projects-and-w/step6/Diamond-Willow/" rel="nofollow">my videos </a>on it that I just recently did.

One tip for staining: try using a rag instead of a brush. It applies the stain a little easier and without as much waste. After you finish applying the stain, wait a couple of minutes, then wipe off the excess. It's better to do a few thin coats than one thick one. I learned this from a carpenter.

<p>Has anyone used those thick vines that hang from trees to make a <br>walking stick? I cut a cool looking piece down and it's drying now.</p>

Usually what I do is put the smallest nail I can find in the bottom end of the stick and hang it up for staining and applying the clear coat so I can do the whole thing at the same time I don't have to wait for one side to dry before flipping over to do the other

Very informative and easy! Thanks!

<p>Thank you so much for giving so much great advice on mine, here's a bit of advice on yours. You should write the complete materials (and tools) in a section right after the introduction. That way people will understand the complete needs for a project, and they don't need to read through the top of every step to see if they can do it. Very nice job!</p>

Is that the same thing I'm not much of a wood expert<br>

<p>how wood oak do</p>

Wow diamond willow looks amazing too bad it doesn't grow in idaho

If you put the clear coat on first the stain won't Go on very well

Thank you

Oh it turned out nice . :-)

I like to put clear on then after it drys rub stain on it then hit the high spots with sandpaper then clear coat again

I love the instructable! you got my vote for all of the contests! Also, try to use Tongue oil for a clear coat. If you rub it with fine steel wool every coat you get a High-Gloss finish that doesn't darken the wood at all.

thanks for the tip ill have to try it. I did notice that my clear coat was making it look darker.

If you have any questions feel free to ask

awesome...I have a couple of rough ones I have made to use while walking in my woods....gonna do a good one like yours...thanks..u got my vote